Standing In For Dad Ch 36

0o0

"Jefe, the packages you requested have arrived."

"Excellent! Bring them to me!"

Jefe Julio Gonzales was still fuming at the public burning of his second cousin. His family had lost almost everything to that unappreciative, conniving, whoring bitch. But, with her imminent death he was in a position to regain his family's honor and prestige. He could snooze up to the Americans until they left and corrupt the politicians once again. Then everything would return to the status quo.

Julio opened one of the boxes and lifted out a plastic pneumatic pistol and a box of Teflon coated darts. "Yes, very good! Remeros, Juan, come here please."

Julio handed each a pistol and power pack along with 30 darts. "These plastic guns and Teflon coated, ceramic darts will evade both dogs and metal detectors. Practice with them so you can hit a human target from 15 meters. We will bring them with us when we meet in two days time."

"Yes Jefe."

Julio smiled, thinking these dumb ass Americans will not see his assassination of Isabella coming. When she is gone he will mobilize the now underground criminal elements in the country to strike back at the Americans, making their continued occupation of his country too expensive. With luck he will be able to kill both Isabella and that thrice damned Ambassador at the same time. Leaving everyone leaderless and ripe for his rule.

0o0

Back at the lake the FBI had settled into the routine of monitoring, fishing, sex, and good food. During one of the fishing trips Brannigan went on, he was asked by a junior agent, "So what is this guy, Harry, like?"

Brannigan laughed, "He is young, mid twenties, and, while handsome, would not strike you as anything unusual. Harry has an upper genius level intelligence and has a strong white knight syndrome. He is very polite and congenial until he perceives a threat to his family. In those instances, he flips a switch and turns into one of the most deadly operators you will ever face. Besides being trained by some of the best oriental martial arts practitioners in the world, he also is the only person I know who can beat Manny in street fighting."

"Manny, you mean the guy who trains our Navy Seals and Spec Ops guys?"

"Yes."

"Harry is very mature for his age and knows more about how things work than most. Even to the point you begin wonder if he has been trained from youth to do the things he can do."

"Such as?"

Brannigan thought for a moment, "He is the deadliest martial artist I have ever heard of and is a confirmed killer in both pistol and hand-to-hand when the need arises. I have seen him pulverize a tree trunk that was a foot wide just by slapping it. By pulverize, I mean the trunk looked like it was hit by a mortar round."

"Although he never really looks for trouble, he never shies away from it either. He rivals the best marksmen the academy has ever produced... as in he never misses... and his reflexes are mythical level. I have seen him draw and fire with uncanny accuracy before a perpetrator could fire his own handgun when he already had his finger on the trigger. He laughs when someone attempts to have authority over him and has the political clout and personal presence to turn it back on you without missing a beat, blinking an eye, or sweating."

"Not only did he stand me down when we first met in an official interview, but he also stood down the head of Homeland and, from what I hear, the Joint Chiefs."

"Sounds like you admire him."

"Yes, I do. Rumors abound about black bag operations he likely had a hand in. And if just a small part of what is rumored is true, you really don't want to piss him off."

The radio squawked in their ears, "Brannigan, be advised, we have infiltrators 220 degrees off the main cabin dock. There looks to be 4 of them and they just breached the perimeter so they are about 200 yards from the edge of the lake, moving slowly. Predator is on standby."

As soon as their earbuds squawked everyone was reeling in their lines and stowing their gear. Brannigan insisted anyone fishing had to have their tactical gear on the boat and the group donned their gear in less than a minute.

Brannigan spoke into his cuff, "Any changes?"

"Looks like they are attempting to get to the lake. Suggest you make for the dock of the secondary cottage and move to intercept on foot."

The team pulled anchor and acted like they were leisurely calling it a day. Once out of sight of the intruders, however, they moved with alacrity, using the obstacle course trail laid down by the SEALs. Just a few minutes after the infiltrators had reached the edge of the lake they were surrounded. The agents remained silent, however, attempting to ascertain the intent of the interlopers.

"Jimmy! I told you we could make it! Now set up that video equipment ASAP so we can get out of here before we get caught! And make sure to camouflage it so no one will know we have video surveillance on the place! This works out, we will get the Pulitzer prize!"

The four FBI agents waited until the cameras were set up and then eased up behind the members of the press and put guns to their heads. "FBI! FREEZE!"

"Shit! We're fucked!"

Brannigan laughed, "Yeah, I have to agree with you on that one. Strip search them, and take pictures of their setup before taking down their gear." Speaking into his cuff, "send the pontoon boat over, we have guests."

"We are the Press! We have rights! You cannot strip search us like this!"

Brannigan looked at the idiot and very quietly said, "You can file a complaint as soon as you land in GITMO."

Deathly silence... even the birds and insects quit making noise.

0o0

"Harry, we have the United Nation's Ambassador on a secure line. Says his name is Adrian Scotsdale and he wishes to talk with you and Bella." I also have a call from an FBI agent, says his name is Special Agent Brannigan."

"Patch Brannigan through to my pad and tell the Ambassador I will be there in just a few minutes as I am out of pocket."

"Aye, Sir."

"Special Agent Brannigan is on the line, Ambassador."

"Brannigan, how they hangin?"

Brannigan laughed, high at tight at the moment, Harry. Yours?"

"Drained and satiated. Whats up?"

"Seems we had an attempt by some press to put the cottage under video surveillance. They are under arrest for being in violation of the Espionage Act and I am sending them to GITMO. You may want to check on them when your schedule lightens up to decide what you want to happen to them."

"Okay, I can work that to my advantage, thanks for the heads up. How is cottage life treating you?"

"Best damn assignment I have ever had. Sex upon request, food to die for, and a really laid back, vacation like, atmosphere. I must say, hiring Miss Cooper was a stroke of genius. I have never seen such an attentive or caring caretaker."

"Well, I am glad to hear you are being taken care of. And again, thanks for all you have done. If there is nothing else, I have United Nations on the line and need to speak with them."

"No, that was it. Have fun with the UN."

0o0

As soon as the connection ended Beth came into the room and Comms put the UN Ambassador through, "Ambassador Walker, the Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Adrian Scotsdale, is on the line."

"Thank you." I responded politely, "Ambassador Scotsdale, Harry here. What can I help you with today?"

"Just Adrian is fine, is calling you Harry okay?"

"That would suit me just fine, Adrian. We both put our pants on one leg at a time."

Adrian laughed, "I have no delusions about who wields the power in this conversation, Harry. By the way: I have gotten approval for and have underway a substantial United Nations force coming your way to oversee elections for you as Lady Bella requested. Is she with you now?"

Beth responded, "Please, just Beth or Bella when we are in private. And, thank you for your lightening fast response on this. When might we expect them and what accommodations should we prepare?"

"They should arrive within a month. With your permission, I will give that unit commander this number so you can coordinate all the necessary logistics."

"That would be wonderful! Please let the UN commander know their entire staff will be my personal guests at the Presidential Palace for the duration."

"Wow, that was fast! How did you make that happen?" I responded after Beth had finished, not wanting to step on her conversation.

"Oh, I just mentioned the sooner elections could be verified the faster you would be visiting the NATO countries in Europe. It was a lightening fast vote after that."

I laughed. "Seems I am the flavor of the month."

"You think? All of the UN wants to know all they can about you. They all realize there is a good chance you will be President some time in the next 12 to 16 years."

A bit taken back, I asked, "Oh? What have you heard?"

"Not a thing. But people in our business don't get where they are by being obtuse. And we know, with your age, you will not qualify for that office until that time."

"Well, current plans are in a few years time I will run for the Senate. Where things go from there is unknown."

"So the grooming commences. Congratulations."

"Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves, Adrian. I am of the opinion I am too straight a shooter to get elected President. And I am sure those with nefarious dealings really would not want me to win the Presidency as I would tend to want to clean house....no pun intended."

Bella then asked, "Adrian, I am having a diplomatic gathering next weekend. If I could arrange transportation for you and the UN commander to attend, would you and your spouse be interested? I think it would be a very good idea if the four of you would. I will also be inviting the President and Vice President and their spouses so you all could possibly fly in on Air Force One."

"If either one of them are going to be in attendance and it is okay with them I would gladly attend."

"Wonderful! I will set it up and have the White House get in contact with you."

After pleasantries, the call ended. Beth got hold of Coms and asked, "Would it be possible for you to call up the President please?"

"Yes Ma-am. Give me a moment."

After about 10 minutes Bill came on the line, "Hello Bella, what can I do for you?"

"Hello Bill, I know it is last minute, but I am having a social event Friday of next week. Dinner is at 1800 local time with a cocktail party starting at 1600 hours prior to with local ambassadors and I was hoping you and your wife could attend along with the UN Ambassador and his spouse. I was hoping transportation could be arraigned for the head of the UN oversight group who is headed this way to help with the election process here in Mexico?"

Bill laughed, "Actually, Sue had my people informed last week and plans have been made for Mary and I to attend. I have an advance group of Secret Service agents that should arrive on the Carrier tomorrow to help secure the Presidential Palace. They will need to work with your people on that."

Beth made a mental note to thank her sister for her foresight. And will you be able to bring the UN commander and his wife with you?"

"I will make sure she is with us. Yes. Will we have births on the Yacht?"

Beth looked a bit sheepish, "I am so sorry, I did not intend to insult her. Will her husband be able to attend?" She looked to me and I nodded, "Yes, we will look forward to meeting you at the airport Will you be able to come on Thursday and stay through Sunday?"

"I do believe that was the plan. Mary and I look forward to spending time with you and the family."

Right after the call I got hold of Major Craigg, "Jake!"

"Yes, Harry, what do you need?"

"I Wanted to give you a heads up, there is a batch of Secret Service personnel who will be arriving on the carrier tomorrow who will help in securing the Presidential Palace for the Ambassadorial dinner Friday of next week. The American President and his wife will be attending. The Secret Service, the United Nations Ambassador, his wife, the United Nations Commander overseeing the elections, and her husband will bunk at the Presidential Palace."

"Got it. We are currently in situ at the hotel and are clearing it room by room. We will be finished today and I can meet them at the carrier tomorrow for transport to the Palace."

"Get Heavylift to help with transport."

"Will do! Thanks for the heads up. I took an additional precaution upon advisement. The head table in the conference room has been replaced with a heavy wooden table and the top is covered by a 1.6 inch clear aluminium oxynitride sheet that can stop an AP 50 cal and is mated to the top of the table. Should anything happen it can be turned over and used as an effective ballistic barrier."

"Exceptional! Keep up the good work, Jake."

"Walsh gets the credit for that one, Harry. That woman is amazing! By the way, this group of Marines you sent over..."

"Yes, what about them?"

"They are some of the most polite, motivated, and conscientious group of Marines I have ever come in contact with. Please be sure to let their commander know."

I smiled, "You have no idea how much I appreciate you letting me know that. If something goes down, I want the hotel shut down until we have everything under control. The Marines will need to have a battle stations plan in place to do that. We will be arriving late tomorrow evening prior to dinner. Please let the dining staff at the Hotel know to expect us."

"Roger that, Harry. If that is all, I need to quit slacking." He said with a humorous tone in his voice."

"See you tomorrow evening!"

0o0

That evening I sat down with Dad, Captain Barnes, Doc, Beth, and the whole SEAL team to work out how we were going to protect Beth during the time she was going to be in the hotel's conference room with the other parties with whom she was going to be negotiating.

There were two entrances, one from the main lobby and another one on the far side of the adjoining wall where a small anteroom led to a hallway going to the kitchen.

"Here are my thoughts, anyone with an idea, chime in please. There will be a heavy wooden table at the head of the room that has a ballistic top on it made of 1.6 inches of aluminium oxynitride which can stop AP 50 cal."

"I will be seated to the right side of where Bella will be seated and a SEAL will be to the other side. The idea would be, at the first sign of trouble, I flip the table on its side while the SEAL pulls down and covers Bella. I would like Walsh on one side, around halfway down the seated guests, and another SEAL on the other side from her with another one beside the door."

"Well," Captain Barnes spoke up, "We all know Walsh is going to jump right into the middle of the fray should anything go down. My suggestion, after Beth is secured, is we cover Walsh's back."

"Agreed. I will be wearing my fighting knives behind my back under my formal coat and can assist in the melee as well. If something goes down, I want the hotel shut down until we have everything under control. The rest of the SEALs and the Marines will have a battle stations plan in place to do that."

Dad added, "Anyone in the room will have their nano-weave carbon fiber undergarments on. They will stop penetration, but not impact so be careful. SEALs should have on their full kit."

Major Jake Craigg will be the liaison for the Marines so I need both LT's to be on coms with him so he can know if and when he needs to have the Marines shut the place down."

0o0

Heavylift, Ladyhawk, and Batgirl had a busy day. First, the Secret Service detail was met on the flight deck of the carrier and flown over to the Presidential Palace where they were bunked and given introductions to the security team there. Then, after landing on the docs next to the Embassy, they took on our team to take us down to our Hotel.

On the way to the Hotel, Heavylift spoke up, "Harry, the Hotel has a helipad on the roof, want me to set you down there or in the parking lot which is pretty much empty at the moment."

I thought about it a bit and decided, "Well, we could make an entrance. But: landing on the parking lot would likely damage some cars which would set a bad precedent so let's take the high road. But we can still have Batgirl and Ladyhawk do a tight patterned cover circle around us."

Heavylift just laughed, "A 'We are bad ass but polite' statement it is, Ambassador!"

Heavylift came in fast, scaring the shit out of the employees trying to guide him in. Everyone but Walsh ran for cover, expecting a crash, just before he pulled back hard and laid the baby down like a feather on a bed.

"Talk about me being a bad boy!"

Heavylift grinned, "I just had to make SOMETHING of an entrance!"

I chuckled as we unbuckled and the door was opened. I jumped out and helped Beth out of the chopper and we both greeted Walsh as she walked up. "Well, THAT was an entrance!" she shouted over the rotors as the rest of the hotel's makeshift ground crew started poking their heads up around the edges of the landing pad.

When we were clear, Heavylift took off to go to the nearby airport where a secured area had been set up for the three of them. I looked at Sue and she smiled, "They will be well taken care of. They have to be near, both to their aircraft and to us, for safety reasons. But that does not mean they have to suffer for it."

I nodded my approval as we entered the elevator to go check in and get some dinner.

By the time we got down to the check-in desk, the hotel ground crew had already started in on Heavylift's stunt and the hotel manager came to the desk a bit miffed. "Madam President," was all he said but with a tone that expressed his disapproval.

I spoke up, "El Lady Isabella desea disculparse por las travesuras de su piloto. Él estaba tratando de presumir por ella. Ella no inició ese comportamiento y pide tu perdón." (The Lady Isabella wishes to apologize for the antics of her pilot. He was attempting to show off for her. She did not initiate that behavior and asks for your forgiveness.)

Somewhat mollified by the fact the President had actually offered an apology, his demeanor changed and he became much more polite. At that point he began to issue keys to specific people. I held up my hand to receive them all and asked there be no record of where anyone was sleeping for security reasons. The manager lifted an eyebrow and nodded, understanding. "Are you expecting trouble?" he asked.

I replied, "Expecting? No. Prepared for? Well, we are not fools."

The manager nodded again and handed me universal key cards which I distributed to the group. We were about to go up to the second from the top floor (to give us some overhead protection) when a bag boy, who was danger close, pulled a knife and yelled, "¡Muerte a los usuarios!" (Death to usurpers!)

Reacing instinctively, I slapped away the knife, pulverizing his hand and wrist bones, as Walsh simultaneously slapped him backhanded in the chest, breaking almost every rib attached to his breast bone and sending the shards into his heart and lungs. He was dead before he hit the ground.

Walsh just shook her head and said, "Dumb ass." While I looked at the manager with a raised eyebrow. It was obvious he was mortified.

I looked eye-to-eye with him and said, "Ahora entiende nuestras precauciones en su cuarto de seguridad y cocina, ¿sí?" (Now you understand our precautions in your security room and kitchen, yes?) He nodded profusely and was about to speak when I stopped him and spoke in English (I already knew he understood English) "I know from your reaction you were unaware. But I suggest this has driven home the point you need to do a background check on any and all employees with whom we will have contact. Will that be a problem? Oh, and we apologize for the mess."